Hairy bug for identification

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks. I've been seeing quite large numbers of these bugs (always solitary) for several weeks now. Help with identification appreciated:



Bruce

[Toby]

They are quite common. I think it's a Plant bug (Miridae) nymph. Seen one ID'd as Deraeocoris flavilinea although if it is then this stage is not shown on the British Bugs site.

[Jason Green]

Morning Bruce,

Originally Posted by Toby

They are quite common. I think it's a Plant bug (Miridae) nymph. Seen one ID'd as Deraeocoris flavilinea although if it is then this stage is not shown on the British Bugs site.

That was my thought last night, but I couldn't quite match everything. Still, I should think it's that or a relative.

Take care,

Jason

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help Toby and Jason.

I had a look at Deraeocoris flavilinea on the British bugs website and found a good match to a photo taken the day before - on the same fence within 5 metres of the nymph in my original post. I know this proves nothing but it does suggest it might simply be a different form or instar of D. flavilinea - don't you think?



Bruce

[Acutipuerilis]

I'm sure it is flavilinea - quite a distinctive thing, and we'll have to put up another nymph picture on BB!

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Joe - always happy for you to use any of my pics .

Bruce

[Jason Green]

That one looks more like it! Funny, the abdominal markings are spot-on (and shows better here), but the wing membrane colouration, and perhaps to a degree antennae too, looked slightly different - so it's good to get another variant up on BB then

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Jason. I have another example of an earlier instar (with tiny wing buds) still dragging around its old exuvia. I'll post it tomorrow.

Bruce